Excellent news ! I've driven to this one before, and gotten the only view possible without tresspassing, so it'll be great if they can open it up for visitors. It would be a great spot for a waterside park, great view of the straits & the bridge.

County controller Lyn Johnson recommended the board vote in favor of purchasing the land, and added that the possibility of restoring the lighthouse should not be ignored. (my italics)

The lake frontage and the depressed real estate market makes this a superlative value for the residents, a wise decision for the county ... as far as the lighthouse goes, it would appear some extra-curricular activity is going to be needed ...

Terry?

Believe those who search for the truth ...
Doubt those who find it ...

I am proud to report that GLLKA has been a strong collaborator in this initiative since the beginning, and we have pledged our complete support and assistance to the county in whatever manner may best suit their needs.

Over the past couple of weeks, we toured the building on a number of occasions with county representatives to obtain a good understanding of its current condition, and made a presentation on the structure’s history and possibilities to the Commissioners two days before their vote.

On finalization of the purchase, it is likely that a task force will be created to identify an appropriate long-term plan for the building and property, and GLLKA has been asked to serve as one component of that task force. As such, no firm plans have been identified, however I can say that installing a historic lantern replica and a possible relighting have all been discussed, and represent one of a number of exciting possibilities.

It is a rare and wonderful thing for one of these historic structures to come back into the public domain after over 100 years of private ownership, and the Emmet County Commissioners are to be lauded for both their sensitivity to history and their long-term thinking.

Is anyone aware of any other lighthouses which have been purchased out of private ownership by a municipality? I am not aware of any here in the Great Lakes, and would love to know of any.

The Edenton, NC historical commission, purchased the Roanoke River Lighthouse last year and relocated it to a city park. The light had originally been a screwpile light in Albermarle Sound that was discontinued in the 40's by the coast guard. A man purchased the light and moved it by barge to Edenton. He lived in the light for a number of years afterward.

Sorry to be the bearer of what I am sure you will see as bad news, but until the County decides exactly how the building and grounds will be restored and interpreted, and the long term plan is in place, they are still "No Trespassing" signs posted, and they do not want people walking around the grounds.

Drop into the new GLLKA office and gift shop when you are in Mackinaw City, and look me up. We're easy to find - right across the street from the Old Mackinac Point lighthouse.